UK Coaching Week is when we celebrate the power of coaching and the importance of learning and developing. Organised by UK Coaching, it is always a worthwhile event. Here’s why I think so…
Coaching has been my passion ever since I became involved with sport and physical activity. I started as a volunteer and have gone on to become a professional coach. I have been fortunate to experience the joy of coaching at all levels - from working with beginners through to elite athletes.
The best coaches are those who believe in their players, understand their goals, and are passionate about helping them achieve excellence.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Whatever the level I am working at, the driving factor for me is always to help people work beyond the constraints of their environment and see them become the best possible version of themselves. I have seen this wonderful journey happen many times and it continues to inspire me.
I am now also a tutor of coaching which allows me to develop other coaches. My driving philosophy here is to ensure that they understand the fundamental importance of putting the person before the performer. I believe this holistic approach needs to be at the forefront of coach development and also the development of the tools and resources at the coach’s disposal. It should also be a fundamental consideration when assessing a coach’s success.
If you know a coach you would like to show your appreciation for, you can leave a message on the #ThanksCoach wall:
As with any profession, the world of coaching doesn’t stand still and is evolving. As recently as ten years ago, knowledge was seen as the primary consideration when assessing the quality of a coach. This was especially relevant to the technical components of the sport they were delivering. There was seen to be a direct link between the coach’s level of knowledge and the performance of the athlete(s).
These days, contemporary coaching philosophy places greater emphasis on the holistic development of individuals. The focus is on the athlete’s development as a person as well as a performer. This approach requires organisations to consider the long-term development of individuals. The question that this often provokes is ‘What is the benefit of developing the whole person rather than focusing on the direct factors that lead to an increase in immediate performance?’
The simple answer to this is that by developing the individual, and empowering their ability to take ownership, we allow them to independently navigate future problems they may encounter when performing. In the longer term, they are developing skills that they will apply all through their career. This holistic approach leads to greater self-confidence, an increased ability to form relationships and a greater sense of belonging - often the hallmarks of great sporting achievement.
As a coach, we can motivate them to do it, but attitude will determine how well they do it. Find the player with the right attitude and motivation no longer comes from the coach, this is key in building success.
Marcelo Bielsa
Think about your own sporting team and the individual that you have the most admiration for? Do they have the confidence to take risks? Do they team up well with others to form combinations that bring success? Do they exhibit pride in the shirt that they represent?
At Competence, we believe in continually asking ourselves the following questions.
At Competence, the need to learn is central to our philosophy.
To help each other develop and to improve is fundamental to our role.
Providing resources so people can drive their own fulfilling journey is what we are all about.
Let's talk: send an email to info@competence.team if you'd like to discuss your next project.
